Oxygenation Effects of Manual Hyperinflation on Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Background: The manual hyperinflation protocol used by physiotherapists, aims to manually inflate an intubated patient s lungs, via an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube with resuscitation bag circuit with pressure lock. Volumes delivered are greater than those given by the ventilator or achieved by the patient. It is used to reinflate areas of atelectasis and Mobilise secretions. Objective: To investigate the effect of manual hyperinfla-tion on arterial oxygenation in mechanically ventilated patients. Methodology: Forty mechanically ventilated patients were assigned to the study, the patients age ranged from 40-60 years with mean age (52.5±7.6), they were divided into two equal groups of twenty patients. The study group patients received manual hyperinflation and chest physiotherapy as three sessions daily for three successive days, control group patients received standard chest physiotherapy. Oxygenation parameters were assessed before and after physiotherapy program. Result: The results of this study revealed that there were statistically significant changes in oxygenation in patients of the study group compared to control group. Conclusion: The use of manual hyperinflation in combination with chest physiotherapy is a valuable tool to improve the arterial oxygenation in mechanically ventilated patients.